How to convert your home into office

May 04, 2008, 02.12 AM IST

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Ajay Naqvi of Shark Designs works from home three days a week. Not because his office has space constraints, but, as he puts it, because of the comfort he feels at his ���home office���. He has converted the first floor of his duplex home into an office that gives him best of both worlds.

As working from home has become the latest fad in the country, many like Naqvi take extra effort to create a productive space in their homes. If you have that sort of liberation, then decorating your home office must be done with as much care as you would do any other room in your house.

It is an important room that requires planning and some investment in terms of time and money.Naqvi stresses on making working from home pleasurable than anything else.

���I feel much more productive at home, thanks to the space I have created. My laptop, table and coffee is all I need before I put on my thinking hat,��� gushes Naqvi. The library or the study room is one of the most suitable rooms to be converted into office space. Alternatively, attic, out-house or garage space works out the best.

���People who work from home like to have an environment that���s more warm than usual offices yet shuts off from their family. Keeping children away is usually preferred,��� says interior designer Atul Anand from Ormin Infrastructure.

The essential office equipment that you need includes a personal computer or a laptop, a printer, a fax machine, a copier and a telephone and, of course, a wi-fi connection. The expenditure on designing the room depends on individual needs. While the equipment used can cost you anywhere between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 4.5 lakh, designing the entire area can go up to Rs 5-7 lakh.

Architect, Atul Sharma says, ���There is no conduct as such to convert home into office. However, it must be comfortable and must reflect on your personality.��� The walls can have colours that invigorate you. Hanging art that inspires you makes the space more lively.

���We recently did interiors for Virag Joshi, CEO of Devyani International, who preferred a wooden look to add warmth to the space,��� says Sharma. Since home offices are some of the busiest rooms in the house, it is important to choose a floor that is durable and low maintenance.

Luxury vinyl tiles and planks work best for such use. Before you create working space in your home you need to take care of certain things. Right lighting plays an important role. You would want a desk lamp and also built-in lighting fixtures for general lighting.

Next, home office furniture options vary from large to small, portable to permanent, lightweight to heavy duty. It must match your work habits and needs. Determine your priorities and needs, then decide what kind of furniture best suits your needs.

A comfortable chair is most essential to ensure efficiency. Storage space can be added using file cabinets, shelving or baskets. Careful planning is the key to have a stylish and functional home office.